Macomb dedicated to eliminating barriers to academic success When her father became seriously ill and could no longer help with her college expenses, Aysha Abdul Shahid feared she would have to drop out and give up her dream of becoming an accountant. Because of resources in place at Macomb Community College, however, that didn’t happen.
students who want to become an artist, certified nursing assistant, construction manager, machine operator, preschool teacher or welder.
Macomb also offers a tuition payment plan, introduced last year, that allows students to spread costs out each semester, instead of having one lump sum due before With the help and encouragement of faculty and staff, the start of classes. And, there is no interest charged on Shahid secured a paid work-study position at the college the balance before it is paid off. and was awarded the Shirley Glass Endowed Account- Still, college is sometimes forced to take a backseat to ing Scholarship. After graduating from Macomb in May, more pressing financial demands. That’s when Macomb’s she is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Walsh. office of Student Options for Success (SOS) steps in. SOS “You have given light and hope to this 21-year-old,” Shahid told an audience of scholarship donors at a luncheon last year, “Now, I will be the first generation in my family to earn a college degree.”
At a luncheon last year, Aysha Abdul Shahid, recent Macomb graduate, took the podium to thank donors for the scholarship that allowed her to stay in school and earn her associate degree. She is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Walsh.
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connects students to community and state organizations that can help them manage living expenses. If a financial emergency arises quickly, such as hospitalization or car repairs, the Macomb Emergency Assistance Fund proLast year, scholarships totaling more than $400,000 vides a one-time monetary award so that students can were awarded at Macomb. Nearly 200 in all, there are cover unexpected costs and stay in school. scholarships for students majoring in automotive tech- “We provide assistance to more than 300 students each nology, biology, culinary arts, fire science, law enforce- year. We listen to them as they explain what is going ment, mechatronics and product development. There on in their lives and connect them to resources that can are scholarships for students who are athletes, foster help, short- and long-term,” said Megan Vinyard, SOS children, musicians, physically challenged, single heads manager. “Our goal is to support students by reducing of households or veterans. There are scholarships for barriers to academic success.”
